Two more Nigerians have been killed in South Africa amid rising anti-migrant tensions, further worsening diplomatic concerns between both countries over the safety of foreign nationals. The victims were identified as Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe Logba.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both men were killed on June 28, just days before an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration protesters demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.
The ministry said one of the victims was allegedly shot by South African police officers, while the other was killed by unidentified attackers. The Nigerian government condemned the deaths, describing them as deeply troubling given the recent wave of hostility directed at migrants across South Africa.
In a statement, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the killings raise serious concerns about the increasing targeting of foreigners and warned against the wrongful stereotyping of Nigerians as criminals. The Federal Government also faulted remarks by South African officials linking Nigerians to crime, describing such comments as unprofessional and capable of fueling xenophobic sentiments.
The latest incidents come after weeks of anti-migrant protests across several South African cities, where demonstrators blamed foreigners for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. The unrest prompted Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi to evacuate hundreds of their citizens, while South African authorities arrested more than 900 people during the protests.
Nigeria has called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations, ensure those responsible are brought to justice and strengthen measures to protect the lives and property of Nigerians residing in the country.
